Workforce Re-Entry: Is Your Resume Ready?

If you are or were a former business owner, a stay-at-home mom, on a long leave of absence, or out of work for an extended period, re-entering the workforce can be a scary proposition. Granted, it’s not easy in this economy, but it’s also not impossible. The question is: Is your resume up to date and ready for the electronic age?

In his on-line article, Jack Matson, Director of StaffRelations and Recruitment at Syracuse University, discusses tips for re-entering the workforce, regardless of how long you’ve been out. He points out that you’re a much different person than you were when you left the workplace. So you need to approach your job search differently. 

In one of his tips, Matson talks about refreshing your job search materials. Specifically, your resume needs to reflect your new start and appear in several different forms, including:

• A normal resume in Word and/or PDF formats
• An electronic resume
• A LinkedIn profile

Your resume must be up to date with all of your latest employment. It can include part-time or temporary positions you’ve been working in while you’ve been looking. They can show that you’ve been productive and, in some cases, reflect newly or more developed skill sets. How much you put on your resume about them is up to you.

Your resume also needs to be achievement-focused vs. responsibility-focused*. If you’ve been out for a while, working with a professional resume developer might be a good idea.

Likewise, you will be required to post your resume on line on selected job boards or corporate application webpages or both. You will most likely lose all the formatting that you so painstakingly created on your Word® resume. After pasting it in, consider adding spaces and using hyphens to separate sections and identify bullets. This makes it easier to read after printing, which recruiters, Human Resources, and hiring managers will appreciate.

Be sure to update your resume regularly. On some sites, if you don’t “touch” your on-line resume within a specified amount of time, it may be dropped. Others will keep it for eternity. It’s important to check it regularly and to keep your work experience up to date.

LinkedIn.com is the premier social media source for job seekers, business owners, and professionals. It’s the world’s largest professional network with over 120 million members. It connects you to your own selection of contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals. LinkedIn also provides a Learning Center to help you develop
your profile, look for jobs, and make good connections. There is a great deal of information about joining LinkedIn on the Internet. One of my favorite resources is Jason Alba’s book I’m on LinkedIn: Now What? It’s an easy read with practical advice.

Have you thought about reentering the workforce, or have you done so successfully? Please share your story and tips.

*Next time: Achievement-vs. Responsibility-Focused Resume

Regards,

Peg

coachpeg@peoplegrowthllc.com
www.peoplegrowthllc.com

Does your resume need serious updating? Contact Peg for a Resume Rescue!